"Spain is a reliable member of NATO", Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters in Cyprus on 24/4, adding that Madrid is fulfilling its obligations. "Therefore, I have no concerns".

Sanchez's comments followed a Reuters report, which cited a US official revealing an internal Pentagon email. The email outlined potential measures against allies not supporting US military operations, with Spain among those targeted.

"We do not act based on emails, but on official documents and government positions, in this case, those of the US", Prime Minister Sanchez stated. He added that Madrid maintains "absolute cooperation with allies, but always within the framework of international law".

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at a press conference in Madrid on 20/3. *AFP*

The anonymous US official indicated the Pentagon's email expressed frustration over some NATO allies' refusal or hesitation to grant "access, base usage, and overflight rights" to the US during the conflict with Iran.

One proposed option involved suspending "difficult to cooperate" nations from important or prestigious NATO positions. However, a NATO official clarified that the alliance's founding treaty "does not contain any provisions for suspending membership".

"As President Donald Trump stated, NATO allies are not with us despite all that the US has done for them", Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson commented on the reports. "The US Department of Defense will ensure the President has credible options so allies are no longer 'paper tigers' but must fulfill their responsibilities".

US President Donald Trump (right) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland, on 21/1. *Reuters*

On 28/2, the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. Tehran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Tel Aviv, Washington's bases, and infrastructure in several Gulf countries. Spain then closed its airspace to all US aircraft involved in operations against Iran, maintaining a ban on using its bases for the conflict. Italy and France took similar actions.

President Trump immediately expressed displeasure, ridiculing European allies as "cowards". The US leader also labeled NATO a "paper tiger" for not participating in efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.

By Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)